Officials: Charges possible in Iowa girl’s death

ORANGE CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities investigating the death of a 3-year-old girl in northwest Iowa say they’re considering more serious charges against the day care provider who was watching her.

The state Division of Criminal Investigation said Wednesday that initial charges of willful injury and child endangerment resulting in serious injury have been dismissed without prejudice against 33-year-old Rochelle Lynn Sapp, of Orange City.

Autumn Elgersma died on Oct. 31, a couple of days after she was hospitalized with severe head trauma. Investigators say Sapp was watching the girl at the time.

Authorities say Sapp’s initial charges were in relation to when Autumn was alive. More serious charges are possible now given the death. Those charges may be filed once an autopsy is completed.